Antonio and Isabel both started experiencing severe eczema when they were 2 months old. They both had stomach aches and loose stools. When they were 6 months old, they both received an ImmunoCAPTM Specific lgE (sIgE) blood test. Their test results, combined with their medical histories, helped their healthcare professional diagnose them both with a milk allergy. Their parents were advised to eliminate cow’s milk from their diet and substitute milk for a milk-free formula. Since then, a year has passed and because allergies can change or resolve over time, both Antonio and Isabel are going to be re-tested. Will their results be the same as last year?
Their ImmunoCAPTM Allergen Components test results indicate that Isabel still has a risk for reaction to all forms of milk and should remain on a milk free diet. But Antonio’s results tell a different story. His results indicate that he could likely tolerate baked milk, so his healthcare professional recommended that Antonio perform an Oral Food Challenge (OFC) in the office. The OFC confirmed the test results and Antonio could now begin eating products containing baked milk, like cakes and cookies. And now, at the age of 2, Antonio can eat and drink milk in all forms.
Many people are so used to living with their allergies that they never even think that they should have their healthcare professional reassess their allergy. Just because you know what you were allergic to a year ago doesn’t mean you know everything you’re allergic to today. Since some allergies can resolve themselves—like milk—retesting can play an important role in your quality of life or the life of someone you love, by reducing unnecessary food avoidance and the fear of an adverse reaction.1 Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional.
The people, places and events depicted in these photographs do not represent actual patients, nor are they affiliated in any way with the attached case study or Thermo Fisher Scientific.
1. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. http://acaai.org/resources/connect/ask-allergist/Allergy-Testing. Accessed October 2017.